Sellars Invests $15 Million To Open New Manufacturing Facility

Sellars new DRC machine manufactures a variety of materials for customers in the nonwovens industry. (Photo courtesy of Sellars)

Sellars, a Milwaukee-based manufacturer of shop towels, paper towels, wipers and absorbents, recently announced it has invested $15 million to open a new production location in Milwaukee. The 100,000-square-foot facility houses two machines and will employ 20 people in operations and maintenance, facilities management and logistics.

“The plant is producing the company’s high-quality DRC (double re-crepe) material that is used to manufacture a variety of materials for customers in the nonwovens industry,” according to a press release.

“Our goal with this new facility is to grow our business and build on the proprietary technology we have developed,” Tom Sellars, CEO of Sellars, said. “We’re one of the only manufacturers in the world that can make high-quality DRC wipers from recycled input.”

The release added: “Double Re-Creped (DRC) technology is a process that enhances the strength, bulk, absorbency, softness and appearance of paper-based wipers. DRC wipers are made using a mixture of virgin and recycled fibers. Sellars holds 20 U.S. and 33 international patents for its DRC technology and makes more grades than any company in the world.

The Sellars siblings have all worked in the family business. From left to right are: retired executive vice president of manufacturing and technology Bill Sellars, retired company founder John Sellars, current CEO Tom Sellars, Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson, Milwaukee Ninth District Alderperson Larresa Taylor, and retired chief care officer Kathy (Sellars) Huntsinger. (Photo courtesy of Sellars)

“Sellars is best known for its TOOLBOX^® brand — Blue Shop Towels and White Rags, which are made from DRC material and found nationwide. Sellars’ nonwovens material is commonly used to make printable guest towels, wipes, medical washcloths and other everyday products.”

Sellars now has five locations in Milwaukee, including its company headquarters and a manufacturing facility that are housed in one location. In addition, there’s a second manufacturing site, a distribution center, a warehouse and the newly opened manufacturing facility.

Sellars was founded in 1985 by John Sellars in his garage and, over the years, has grown to employ 220 people. The company is a manufacturer of shop towels, multi-use disposable wipers, towel and tissue and absorbent products. A number of its wipers, which are sold under the TOOLBOX^®, Clean Task^® and Mayfair^® brands, are made from recycled and renewable materials, are high performance and environmentally friendly.